Hanged up in houses,it doth very well attemper the aire,coole and make fresh the place to the delightand comfort of such as are therein. — John Gerard, 1597

As our days fill with the gift of Summer’s lush ripening, beloved Thalia, the Grace of Mirth and Flowering, continues to teach us. In the hot, summery days ahead, we journey with Her through the magical garden.

In many regions, the ancient herb, lavender, is now at its peak. One of the most important attributes of lavender, and in fact, one of the reasons that it has gained widespread respect as a powerful healer, was discovered in the Middle Ages. It seems that the farmers and field hands that worked in the lavender fields of Grasse in southern France discovered that they had an immunity to the plague. Lavender perfume became popular in Europe, not only to disguise the evil smells of poverty and poor sanitation, but because of its amazing antibacterial and antiviral properties, which of course at the time were quite mysterious.

Its other healing powers are legendary. Although it is a powerful cleanser, lavender is so gentle that even children may have direct skin contact without harm. It offers safe, effective treatment for anxiety, headaches, insomnia, nerve pain including neuralgia and sciatica, and relief from the pain of shingles.

It is useful for nearly all respiratory ailments, particularly as aromatherapy, but also as a soothing infusion after an asthma attack or a hot compress for earache. The list goes on and on — diarrhea, poor circulation, even dandruff can all be effectively treated with lavender. And it is great for burns, particularly combined with calendula.

I can’t think of a more versatile friend than the gentle gray-green plant with the soft purple flowers. It is a beautiful decorative element in wreaths and flower arrangements, a staple in many potpourri recipes, and a sophisticated flavor in cooking.

But it is also a powerful ally in ritual and magic. More about this tomorrow.

I LOVE lavendar.I use it when I do my Sacred Lomi massages and healing on family and friends.One July I was lucky enough to visit a HUGE LAVENDAR FARM on San Juan island off of Seattle– if you EVER get a chance, have a picnic in a lavendar grove…..Blessings and hugs….

June 25, 2008, 3:35 pmBeth Owl's Daughter

Oh, wow, that sounds like heaven to me. A local lavender farm here in NC just had their annual open house and darn it all, I missed again this year! Next year!!

Thanks for your WONDERFUL post about me on your blog, Madeline! I am so honored and I look forward to our reading tomorrow!